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Rape Crisis Scotland chief executive steps down after 24 years 

Rape Crisis Scotland chief executive Sandy Brindley is stepping down after 24 years at the organisation.

Sandy has been part of the Rape Crisis movement for more than three decades, starting as a volunteer support worker in Glasgow in 1994 before leaving to set up Rape Crisis Scotland in 2002.

Outgoing Rape Crisis Scotland Chief Executive Sandy Brindley

Under Sandy’s leadership, and through her passionate advocacy, Rape Crisis Scotland has become a national voice for and with survivors of rape and sexual violence.

She has worked tirelessly to raise awareness, challenge public attitudes around rape and sexual violence, and ensure that the needs and concerns of survivors are respected and represented when laws and policies change. 

We are incredibly grateful to Sandy for her decades of dedication to the Rape Crisis movement.

Following Sandy’s departure next month, Alev Taylor has been appointed Interim Chief Executive of Rape Crisis Scotland. 

Alev is an experienced leader who has previously held senior roles at organisations supporting survivors of sexual violence. Previously the Chief Executive of Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland (RASASH), Alev also spent seven years working for Rape Crisis services in England.

Rape Crisis Scotland Interim Chief Executive Alev Taylor

Chair of Rape Crisis Scotland’s board Lindsey Millen said: “Sandy has been with Rape Crisis Scotland since the organisation’s inception, and she has been supporting survivors of rape and sexual violence for more than 30 years.

“Sandy’s unwavering commitment to improving support and justice services for survivors has always been at the very heart of her work. We extend our thanks for her decades of dedication and wish her all the best in her next chapter. 

“We are also delighted to welcome Alev, who will lead the organisation on an interim basis. She brings a wealth of experience and shares Rape Crisis Scotland’s commitment to supporting survivors and ending sexual violence.” 

Sandy said: “The Rape Crisis movement in Scotland is full of wonderful, dedicated and passionate staff and volunteers - it has been such a privilege to work alongside them to stand with survivors, and to transform how Scotland responds to sexual violence.

“I’m really pleased to hand over to Alev, who I know cares as much about the Rape Crisis movement, and making Scotland a better place for survivors of sexual violence, as I do.” 

Alev said: ”It’s a real honour to come into a national organisation that has made life changing differences to survivors across Scotland for more than two decades. I have confidence that the foundation for the Rape Crisis movement across Scotland will stand strong in the years to come.

“I am delighted to work with such a steadfast and caring team over the upcoming period of transition and remain firm in my commitment to support survivors and end sexual violence. I wish Sandy all the very best.”